Cinema technicians, producers clash; HC suggests mediation
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Admitting the plea on Monday, Justice K Kumaresh Babu suggested that the association recommend a retired judge of the court to mediate the issue.
Representing FEFSI, advocate G Mohanakrishnan submitted that TFPC is trying to snatch the livelihood of Tamil Nadu technicians by engaging people from other states.
Appearing for TFPC, advocate Krishna Ravindran contended that the association followed the practice of entering into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) once every three years with FEFSI regarding the fixation of wages.
The last MoU, signed in 2022, ended on March 9, 2025.
FEFSI alleged that TFPC promoted a rival association of technicians, the Tamil Nadu Thiraipada Thozhilalargal Sammelanam. Recording the submissions, the court observed that it could not direct the members of FEFSI to work with TFPC since the MoU expired on March 9. The court then suggested that both parties resolve their differences across the table by recommending names of two retired judges of the high court who could be appointed as mediators to resolve the issue.
TFPC is allegedly taking steps to establish a new labour union as an alternative to FEFSI. This move comes after years of tension between the producers and FEFSI, which represents various film industry workers, including technicians, crew members, and other essential staff. As the existing agreement between the two parties was officially cancelled, producers have invited interested film workers to join the upcoming labour union.
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